I was excited to be selected for the La-Roche Posay trial team but unfortunately due to a delivery mishap I didn't receive my product in time to review it properly. The Anthelios XL Ultra Light sounded right up my alley though so I decided to go pick it up myself and I'm so glad I did.
I purchased the Ultra Light from Life Pharmacy who stocks a large range of La Roche-Posay products. I was initially surprised by the size of the sunscreen as for the price point and the 'XL' in the product name I admit I was expecting something a little bigger (even though the product size is clearly labelled as 50ml, something I managed not to notice!). After using it even the first time I realised the benefits to a smaller product sizing. Firstly, your beauty products do have an expiration date, so less chance of expiring sunscreen! Secondly, the compact size is really convenient. My regular sunscreen is a large tube which fits well in a beach tote but takes up a fair amount of space in a standard handbag, whereas the 50ml Ultra Light is palm-size and slips in easily.
It's no surprise the formula of the sunscreen itself really does have a thin conscistency that absorbs easily and feels "ultra light" on the skin. A little goes a long way, and after application my skin felt and looked hydrated but not greasy. I've had acne-prone skin for years which is now combination, so I like a good moisture hit but I hate the feel of traditional sunscreens that clog the pores and feel heavy on my skin. Instead the Ultra Light feels like a nice moisturising product. I love that it is also fragrance-free as I feel adding fragrances to skincare products like sunscreen is really unnecessary.
The fact that Ultra Light is also broad spectrum SPF 50 has me sold on this and I can see this becoming a firm staple for me over summer.
At first I was a little shocked it was such a little nozzle on the bottle. But once I used it, you definitely only need a small nozzle as the product is quite thin, which some of us are definitely not used to when it comes to sunscreen.
I found the product easy to apply, its thin which makes it easier to apply to your face and to me felt like i was just applying moisturiser. it didn't feel heavy on my skin and for once i didn't come up with spots or anything either. It's not greasy like most sunscreens which I quite liked.
I wore it several times in one week to see if there was a difference and not once did it cause a reaction, and i didnt get sunburnt which lately has been a concern with the spring sun (when its out).
It doesn't really have a fragrance either which i quite liked as i find normal sunscreens etc have a bit of a funky smell to them.... but this has been fantastic.
The bottle is a unique shape and size which means its easier to find in the mornings when getting ready too! I love the fact the bottle is small as it means it will be easy to travel etc with too, as you can just pop it in your handbag etc.
Only issue I have with the bottle is you cant really see how much is left in the bottle.
Tips: Keep it in your handbag or in your bathroom for easy access every day as its totally worth wearing especially with our changing weather and with coming into summer! Its brilliant!